Barayuga ends stint as ICPO chief, Tobias assumes post
After more than two years of service as Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, Senior Supt. Wesley Barayuga was relieved from his post effective yesterday. He is replaced by Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias as acting city police director.
Barayuga's relief from his post was announced yesterday by Mayor Jerry Treñas during the interview with the members of the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps. Prior to the interview, Barayuga and Police Regional Office (PRO) chief Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas paid a visit to the mayor's office.
Treñas, apparently surprised of Barayuga's sudden relief, said the former city police director will undergo schooling. He did not elaborate on the matter.
The date for the formal turn-over of command between Barayuga and Tobias has yet to be known. Tobias hails from the town of Cabatuan and have occupied different positions at the Police Regional Office to include the intelligence and investigation division. Both police officials are lawyers.
With Tobias's appointment, Treñas expects maximum police visibility and clear rules in the conduct of checkpoints in the different areas in the city as part of police crime prevention plan.
It was learned that Barayuga, who is now on leave, would be taking Logistics Management Course so he could assume higher positions.
On the other hand, Tobias assured he will do his best to further improve the peace and order situation in the city. The acting city police director likewise asked for the cooperation of the community to the police.
With Tobias at the helm, it could not be ascertained yet on whether there will be reshuffling of police station chiefs in the city's six districts.
To note, in August last year Barayuga became controversial after he disclosed that he was dissatisfied with his unit's performance particularly on the failure to identify crime groups operating in the city, particularly those that were involved in robbery cases.
Barayuga was even reported to have scolded the ICPO's intelligence unit over their weak performance.